Presentation
The patient had a history of pain and swelling of the jaw, limited mouth opening, and difficulty swallowing from 25 days ago.
Patient Data
Hypodense fluid collection with enhanced wall is noted in the left submandibular space.
Case Discussion
The findings of the CT are consistent with a submandibular abscess.
Submandibular space infection (Ludwig angina) usually develops from an odontogenic infection, especially of the 2nd and 3rd mandibular molars, or as an extension of peritonsillar cellulitis and often is a rapidly spreading, bilateral, indurated cellulitis occurring in the suprahyoid soft tissues, the floor of the mouth, and both sublingual and submaxillary spaces without abscess formation. In some patients with poorly treatment and management submandibular abscess may present.